Wales profit from Millennium Stadium

6 November 2007 17:10pm

The Millennium Stadium has delivered a £725million boost to Wales, a survey has revealed.

An independent study carried out for the Welsh Rugby Union has concluded that around £105million extra has come to the country since the stadium opened in 1999. Around £88million of that figure has been spent in and around Cardiff.

The 72,000-capacity arena in the heart of Cardiff was built in time for the 1999 World Cup but as well as rugby has also hosted many other events.

Most notably, the stadium was used for the FA Cup final while Wembley was being rebuilt between 2001 and 2006.

More than nine million people have entered the stadium since it opened, helping it become the most visited attraction in Wales and one of the top 10 in the UK.

The WRU currently pay £900,000 in rates for the stadium but now hope the findings will help them negotiate an arrangment that recognises the financial importance of the stadium to Wales.

WRU Group chief executive Roger Lewis said: "The stadium is a jewel in the crown of Wales and the UK as a whole and we believe it is fair for that status to be properly recognised and acknowledged.

"We are not seeking any unfair advantage just a fair recognition of what the stadium contributes to the health and development of our economy.

"Currently the Welsh Rugby Union holds all the risks and the liabilities while much of the reward is enjoyed by the wider community."